The much maligned Highgate Centre in Lochee is to be the focus of a major redevelopment of the once thriving burgh, according to proposals unveiled by the city council.
It would be partially demolished to create a new open area with a car park, transport hub and shops. There would also be a new health and community centre similar to the life services building being constructed at Whitfield.
The regeneration of Lochee has been a priority for the city council since the demise of the Stack Leisure Park and the departure of Tesco for a new store on South Road.
The area fell into decline, with the depressed local economy leading to shop closures and urban blight. The Highgate Centre was at the root of many of the problems. Designed as a place for people to shop and meet friends for a coffee, it became a magnet for drug addicts and undesirables which the general public went out of their way to avoid.
Trying to fix the existing flawed centre and associated buildings was ruled out and instead city planners worked on a more radical solution. Efforts began in earnest in 2005 when discussions opened with the shopping centre’s former owners, and a comprehensive framework for the regeneration of Lochee was approved in 2008.
It identified that negative perceptions of the area were a result of poor quality housing, the high number of vacant retail units and a lack of modern retail opportunities, as well as accessibility issues and transport connections.
Since then more than £2m has been invested in the infrastructure, clearing the Weaver’s Village and buying the Highgate Centre.
The Highgate Centre is soon to be demolished and now the council has unveiled its grand designs for the new future for Lochee. The plan, which recommends the creation of a car park, public transport hub, new commercial retail buildings, housing and partial demolition of the Highgate Centre, will be the subject of public consultation if councillors back the move.
Any health and community services building would be likely to be sited at the south end of the High Street in close proximity to other community buildings, including the library and swimming pool.
Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: ”The regeneration of Lochee has come a long way in recent years, but is still very much a work in progress. This next phase looks to put the heart back into the High Street by removing most of the Highgate and reopening links between the district centre and the by-pass to create more opportunities for business and a greater sense of activity.”
Lochee residents will have the chance to give their views on the need for a new health centre/community facility, similar to the life services building being built in Whitfield, if the proposed redevelopment plan goes ahead.
The city development committee will be told that the redevelopment plan provides a basis on which to work with local businesses and community groups as well as attracting future investors to deliver quality redevelopment.